G12, a large industrial 3D printer utilizing Fused Granulate Fabrication (FGF) technology, closely resembles FDM 3D printing and operates on the same material extrusion principle. The key distinction lies in the type of plastics employed for the printing process. While FDM machines utilize filaments, FGF 3D printers construct parts using granular material or pellets.
These printers feature an extrusion screw that both rotates and melts the pellets, transforming them into a uniform mass that is then propelled through a nozzle under pressure. It's worth noting that FDM filaments are actually derived from plastic pellets, so the ability to print directly with granules significantly reduces production costs.